A historic step was taken by
Maryland’s General Assembly by approving a 3-percentage-point addition to the states 6 percent sales tax on beer and wine, the first increase in 38 years.

It will save lives, prevent crime and help to avert thousands of cases of alcohol abuse or dependence. It will also raise at least $85 million in revenue a year. In the first year, these funds will be used to restore much-needed services for people with developmental disabilities, shore up school budgets and support school maintenance and repairs. In future years, the funds can be used to support expanded access to health care; services for people with developmental disabilities or mental health needs; alcohol, tobacco and other drug-use prevention and treatment, and health-care worker training.

Source: The
Washington Post. How Marylanders beat the alcohol lobby. By David Jernigan and Vincent De Marco. Published May 20 2011.